Children from Jakarta Speaks Up about Environment in Global Forum

Galvin, a child assisted by PHINLA, was chosen to be the representative of Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI)'s children who spoke about environmental issues and climate change in the Participatory Children & Youth Workshop session at the Global Platform Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2022. Together with his mother, they shared their involvement in the Waste Bank accompanied by Wahana Visi Indonesia. Galvin and his mother are trying very hard to protect the environment with good waste management, and invite people in their environment to also participate in waste management.

"I'm Sadiyah. Galvin's mother. In the past, the birth process was not quite right, causing Galvin to have a head circumference that is larger than the usual child. Galvin's development is somewhat slower and can only speak at the age of 8 years. At school he was often bullied so he felt inferior. Finally, I invited Galvin to be involved in the waste bank as a recorder and weigher. Galvin slowly got used to learning and socializing with other people. Even though he has shortcomings, I want Galvin to be useful for himself, others, and the environment,” said Mrs. Sadiyah.

On this occasion, Galvin also told about his activities in waste management accompanied by WVI. He also expressed his hope that the government could involve children and youth in an inclusive manner.

"I'm Galvin. I thanked my mother for still loving me. And I hope that friends can also together protect this earth by managing waste from home. I hope that the government will involve children and youth inclusively for sustainable resilience,” said Galvin in this session.

Not only Galvin but also Amer, an assisted child of SINERGI project of WVI, becoming representatives of other children met and had a dialogue with Ricardo Mena, Director of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

In the discussion, Galvin and Amer submitted children's voices which were compiled in the Participatory Children & Youth Workshop. Amer also conveyed her participation in disaster risk reduction and voiced her advocacy so that children and youth are always involved in disaster risk reduction efforts.

Written by: Yuventa, Marcomm Manager Wahana Visi Indonesia